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Fahiem Stellenboom
The Market Theatre’s critically acclaimed, The Cry of Winnie Mandela, makes its Cape Town debut at The Baxter this January and February with Thembisa Mdoda-Nxumalo as ‘Winnie’.
Following its critical success in Johannesburg, The Market Theatre’s production, The Cry of Winnie Mandela, based on Njabulo Ndebele’s celebrated novel of the same name, makes its Cape Town debut at the Baxter Flipside from 29 January to 15 February at 7.30pm and Saturday matinees at 3pm.
Adapted for the stage by Alex Burger and directed by the award-winning MoMo Matsunyane, The Cry of Winnie Mandela stars award-winning TV actress, theatre practitioner and presenter, Thembisa Mdoda-Nxumalo, who takes on the role of Winnie. She is joined by Mdoda-Nxumalo, Rami Chuene, Ayanda Sibisi, Siyasanga Papu, Les Made and Pulane Rampoana in this searing adaption of Njabulo Ndebele’s seminal novel.
The play ran at The Market Theatre for three weeks and was sold out and had to be extended by another two weeks, due to its overwhelming success. Vusi Gumbi wrote in The Cape Times, “This play also reflects the significance of the arts in society.” In their review Actor Spaces described it as, “ … a theatrical masterpiece that will leave you moved, inspired, and deeply enriched … Matsunyane’s direction is masterful, seamlessly blending film and theatre to create a multi-dimensional storytelling experience … Through rich storytelling, staging, and stellar performances, audiences are transported on a journey through history, emotion, and the enduring strength of the female South African spirit.”
“The Cry Of Winnie Mandela is a courageous story of every woman who has endured loss, suffered loneliness and experienced the chilling anxiety of waiting,” says director, MoMo Matsunyane. He continues, “Winnie Mandela continues to be a powerful, multi-layered figure to explore. Her revolutionary spirit, resilient character and generous heart have become anchors for many women of all generations and identities, each seeing herself in her legacy. Indeed, she did not die; she multiplied.”
Former UCT vice chancellor and Baxter board member, Professor Njabulo Ndebele is encouraged by the season at The Baxter. He said, “I am so delighted that The Cry of Winnie Mandela will be performed at the Baxter Theatre . The novel was partly written and completed at Glenara, just across the road from the Baxter Theatre, the venerable venue where it was also launched in 2003. It’s as if a historic circle has been completed”.
In the play, four women meet to reflect, joined together by their anticipation of their husbands’ return. Engaged in sacred moments of sharing and fellowship, they lean on the heroism of Winnie Mandela and the connection they feel towards her. The women interrogate their own and other women’s reasons for waiting and what the wait did to them. This interrogation leads to a series of hearty, haunting and critical conversations, drawing audiences to reflect on the historical struggles of women, while drawing parallels to our own contemporary lives.
All this is done with intense emotion and cleverly injected humour, weaving together the characters’ private accounts and exposing the shadows, isolation and complexities of their journeys against the backdrop of the life and times of Winnie Mandela. The audience is invited to join these resilient women as they gather, share their stories, sing and metaphorically drink their ‘tea’ - a potent blend of strength and vulnerability.
Following its season in Cape Town, the production returns to the Market Theatre for a run from 26 February to 23 March 2025.
Prepare to be inspired by this powerful exploration of love, resilience, courage and the indomitable spirit of women.
The Cry of Winnie Mandela runs in the Baxter Flipside from 29 January to 15 February 2025 and booking is through Webtickets online or at Pick n Pay stores. For block bookings or 10 or more contact Carmen Kearns on carmen.kearns@uct.ac.za or Mark Dobson on email mark.dobson@uct.ac.za .